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Water is wet, the world is round, and free ice cream is the best thing on the planet. Those are the inalienable truths we hold to be self-evident. Accordingly, despite being a marketing-driven "food holiday," National Ice Cream Day is one of the best days on the calendar. This year it falls on Sunday, July 16, and there are plenty of ice cream shoppes and chains -- both local and national -- celebrating with the appropriate deals.

Here are the best ones to take advantage of this Sunday:

Local free ice cream deals

Salt & StrawThe deal: All five LA locations of this small chain are doling out free scoops as hourly prizes all day, along with hourly giveaways of more ice cream, T-shirts, and other swag. When: July 16Where: All five LA locations

Jeni's Splendid Ice CreamsThe deal: If you've got kids, they're in luck! Anyone 18 or under gets a free scoop in a classic orange cake cone with sprinkles, if an adult buys a cone first, that is.When: July 16Where: 1954 Hillhurst Ave

Pretend City Children's MuseumThe deal: The Pretend City Children's Museum is handing out free cups and cones for just one hour, so you better get them fast. They're also celebrating the day with crafts and songs for the kids, so keep that in mind.When: July 16, 1pm to 12pmWhere: 29 Hubble, Irvine

National free ice cream deals

McDonald'sThe deal: The chain is doling out free vanilla cones at participating locations if you order them using the McDonald's mobile app. Additionally, you have the chance to win free soft serve for life if you order within certain times.When: July 16, all day for the free ice cream; 2pm to 5pm for the contestWhere: Participating locations

Dippin' DotsThe deal: Some locations (call before to check) are giving out one free mini cup of ice cream during select times.When: July 16, but times vary by locationWhere: Participating locations

Baskin-RobbinsThe deal: Two big offerings from one of the biggest ice-cream institutions in America: (1) they'll be doling out free samples of their pistachio ice cream pizza on Friday, July 14; and (2) if you download the Baskin-Robbins app, you'll unlock a variety of free ice cream deals on July 16. The company's been cryptic on this matter, but there's ice cream involved, so I wouldn't worry.When: July 14 and July 16Where: Participating locations

Tastee-Freez/WienerschnitzelThe deal: Bring this coupon to your local Tastee-Freez or Wienerschnitzel location and you’ll get $1 off any candy shake, including Reese’s, M&M’s, and Oreo.When: Now through July 31Where: Participating locations